Robert A. Niederpruem, retired engineer and World War II veteran

Robert A. Niederpruem, of West Seneca, a retired engineer who was involved in the development of several local landmarks, died Tuesday in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga. He was 89.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Niederpruem was a sergeant in the Army during World War II, serving in the South Pacific. He graduated from Canisius College in 1948.

A professional engineer and licensed land surveyor, Mr. Niederpruem worked early in his career for a private engineering firm that was involved in the construction of the Niagara Thruway, the second South Grand Island bridge and Route 400/Aurora Expressway.

He went to work for the Erie County Department of Public Works in 1954 and was involved in the construction of numerous buildings, including the Rath County Office Building, Erie County Medical Center and what is now Ralph Wilson Stadium.

He retired in 1984 as director of building projects.

An expert in bridge design and construction, in retirement Mr. Niederpruem served as a consultant to local and national engineers on structures that included the Skyway. He maintained a private land surveying business throughout his lifetime.

Mr. Niederpruem had been the town engineer for the Town of Wales and was a longtime member of the West Seneca Planning Board, serving as its chairman for 12 years.

He was among the founding families of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Orchard Park, where he was influential in planning and building capital projects. He was a member of St. Ann’s Men’s Club.

Mr. Niederpruem and his wife of 61 years, the former Mary Ellen Holland, were seasonal residents of Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Additional survivors include a daughter, Mary Sue Slopka; and two sons, Robert A. Jr. and Mark.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. John Vianney Church, 2950 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park.